Canon EOS 1100D: First steps DSLR

If you liked the sound of the Canon EOS 600D that has just been unveiled, but thought perhaps the spec or the price-tag were maybe a bit too much for you to handle, then maybe you should consider its newly announced little brother - the Canon EOS 1100D.

Canon describes the 1100D as "the Digital SLR (DSLR) for consumers who want to take the first step on their journey to outstanding still images and HD video" - i.e. it's one for beginners.

That's not to say that this isn't a spec'd-up camera though, because it definitely is. It packs a 12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 image processing, has an ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, a wide-area 9-point AF system and a 63-zone iFCL exposure metering.

It can shoot 720p HD video capture and has a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot display, is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses and also supports Eye-Fi SD cards.

Like the 600D, the 1100D will come in three pack options - a body only kit for £419, with the EOS 1100D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens for £459 or with the premium EOS 1100D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens for £499. Availability is early April.